WNBA CBA Negotiations Stall as Deadline Passes Without a Deal
Negotiations between the WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) regarding a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) have failed to produce a deal by the March 10th deadline, raising concerns about a potential delay to the 2026 season, which is scheduled to tip off on May 8th.
Where Do Negotiations Stand?
The WNBA submitted a counterproposal to the WNBPA on March 1st, responding to the players’ union’s submission on February 27th. Kelsey Plum, a WNBPA executive committee member, described the league’s offer as a “significant win” during negotiations. However, internal disagreements within the WNBPA surfaced when Plum and Breanna Stewart expressed “serious concerns” in a private letter obtained by ESPN on March 3rd, regarding the union’s handling of the CBA negotiations and a perceived lack of player involvement. Source
Key Issues in Dispute
A central point of contention revolves around revenue sharing. The WNBPA initially requested 25% of gross revenue in the first year of the new CBA. Source Other issues being negotiated include player compensation, benefits, and working conditions.
Player Involvement and Union Support
Despite the internal letter raising concerns, the WNBPA executive committee released a statement on March 4th publicly backing the negotiating team led by executive director Terri Jackson and union president Nneka Ogwumike. The statement emphasized the league’s historical tactic of attempting to divide players during CBA negotiations. Source
Housing Provisions
Recent proposals from the WNBA included a provision to guarantee housing for all players in 2026, with a phased-out approach in subsequent years. Under the proposal, players on minimum salaries and those with zero years of service would be provided with a one-bedroom apartment in 2027 and 2028. Developmental players would receive studio apartments throughout the duration of the agreement. Source The WNBA has historically provided housing for players since the first CBA was ratified in 1999, initially offering a one-bedroom apartment or a stipend. Source
What’s Next?
With the deadline passing without a deal, the future of the 2026 WNBA season remains uncertain. The possibility of a strike by the players looms if an agreement cannot be reached. Negotiations are ongoing, and both sides are working to identify a resolution. Source
The CBA and Player Rights
The WNBPA emphasizes that all players have a role in shaping the CBA and encourages participation in negotiations. The union solicits player viewpoints, provides updates on negotiations, and holds conference calls to retain players informed. All players vote on whether to accept the collective bargaining agreement. Source